Method for manufacturing a packaging container

ABSTRACT

A packaging container is manufactured in which an internal space for storing contents is formed by a laminate film. A circumferential end part of the laminate film is subjected to a thermal fusion treatment to form a sealed portion. A first slit having a predetermined length is formed in the laminate film so as to intersect a part of the sealed portion. A second adhesive layer is disposed in a region having a predetermined width in a neighborhood of the first slit. Thus, through a simple constructions, leakage can be prevented in the packaging container, and breakage of the packaging container and flying-out of the contents accompanying a pressure rise in the inside of the container can be prevented when warming the contents together with the container body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of allowed U.S. application Ser. No.14/484,839, filed on Sep. 12, 2014, which claims priority to JapanesePatent Application No. 2013-191728, filed Sep. 17, 2013, and JapanesePatent Application No. 2014-153760, filed Jul. 29, 2014, all of whichare hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a packaging container and a method formanufacturing the same. More particularly, the present invention relatesto a packaging container capable of heating or warming the contentsthereof and a method for manufacturing the same.

2. Description of the Related Art

Packaging containers made of a tightly sealable resin film are oftenused as a container for packaging foods, a container for storing varioussmall articles, and the like. These packaging containers have a highair-tight property and are hygienic due to sterilization by beingpressurized and heated, so that the contents in the container can bepreserved for a long period of time. Moreover, at using, the contentscan be warmed by immersion into hot water, use of a microwave oven, orthe like in a state in which the contents are stored in the packagingcontainer. In the case in which the contents are constituted of foods,cooking of the foods can also be carried out easily.

Typically, such a packaging container may be one in which a laminatefilm having a resin such as vinylidene chloride excellent in shieldingagainst oxygen interposed therein, for example, is thermally fused to anopening part of an upper plane of the container body that stores thecontents, so as to enclose the contents (for example, see JapanesePatent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 2000-34448). In this case, whena packaging container having such a tightness property is warmed, thepackaging container may be exploded to let the contents fly out, so thatthe packaging containers are perforated at several sites thereof inadvance by using a fork or the like before warming. Also, the warming isoften carried out several times. A process is often carried out inwhich, after the top seal (easily openable sealed part) of the packagingcontainer is peeled off and the contents are stirred, the packagingcontainer is covered with a cover film and warmed, and thereafter thecontents in the packaging container are stirred and warmed again. Inthis case, it requires a cumbersome work of perforating the packagingcontainer and further a stirring work, and moreover, the contents mayfly out from the holes depending on the way of forming the holes, sothat it has not been preferable.

Also, in order that the perforating work may not be needed, a packagingcontainer is used in which the contents are warmed after the seal of thecontainer is partly peeled off before warming. This packaging containeris subjected to an easy-opening treatment in advance so that a specificsite of the seal may be easily peeled off. Such an easy-openingtreatment may be a method in which a slit is formed in advance at oneend of the laminate film thermally fused to the container body, and thecontainer is tightly closed with a special ink serving also as anadhesive agent. However, this method may be disadvantageous in that,when the contents stored in the container body are liquid substances orgas-substituted packaged substances, the contents may leak out from theslit during the transportation to consumer markets. Moreover, becausethe easy-opening treatment is required, there is a problem of rise inthe production costs of the container itself.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide, with asimple construction, a packaging container by which leakage can beprevented with certainty even when the contents stored in the packagingcontainer are liquid substances or gas-substituted packaged substances,and moreover, breakage of the packaging container and flying-out of thecontents accompanying the pressure rise in the inside of the containeraccompanying the warming can be prevented in warming the contentstogether with the container body, as well as a method for manufacturingthe same.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

As a result of repeated eager researches in order to solve theaforementioned problems, the present inventor has found out that theaforementioned object can be achieved by a packaging container and amethod for manufacturing the same that are shown below, therebycompleting the present invention.

The present invention is a packaging container having a laminate filmformed by laminating a plurality of thin-layer films, so as to form aninternal space for storing contents, in which at least a part of acircumferential end part of the laminate film is subjected to a thermalfusion treatment to form a sealed portion, wherein

the laminate film is formed of at least two or more thin-layer filmscomprising a first inner layer that is in contact with the internalspace and a second inner layer that is in contact with an outer sidesurface of the first inner layer, and has a first adhesive layer havinga first adhesive agent applied thereon and disposed between the firstinner layer and the second inner layer;

a first slit having a predetermined length is formed in the first innerlayer so as to intersect a part of a fused portion of thecircumferential end part subjected to the thermal fusion treatment, anda second adhesive layer having a second adhesive agent, which has alower melting temperature than the first adhesive agent, applied thereoninstead of the first adhesive agent is disposed in a region having apredetermined width in a neighborhood of the first slit; and,

in a state in which the internal space is subjected to warming and aninternal pressure thereof is raised, the second adhesive layer is meltedby the warming and/or by a warmed vapor to generate a space part betweenthe first inner layer and the second inner layer in the neighborhood ofthe first slit and to form an opening by the first slit.

With such a construction, the circumferential end part of the pluralityof thin-layer films laminated via the first and second adhesive layersare thermally fused to form a firm seal having a high strength with asimple construction in which the packaging container is used in anon-warming state. Also, even when the contents stored in the packagingcontainer are liquid substances or gas-substituted packaged substances,leakage can be prevented with certainty. Further, in a state of pressurerise in the inside of the container accompanying the warming, breakageof the packaging container and flying-out of the contents can beprevented by forming of the release of the internal pressure from a partof the fused portion at the circumferential end part of the container bythe opening formed in the second adhesive layer in the neighborhood ofthe first slit having a lower melting temperature. In this manner, apackaging container can be provided in which a firm seal having a highstrength is formed with a simple construction, and moreover, breakage ofthe packaging container and flying-out of the contents accompanying thepressure rise in the inside of the container accompanying the warmingcan be prevented. Here, the present invention recites that the internalspace is formed by the laminate film; however, the present inventionalso comprises a construction in which the internal space is formed byconstituent elements other than the laminate film, for example, bycombination with a later-mentioned container body.

The present invention is also the packaging container described above,wherein a part of the plurality of thin-layer films comprises anon-gas-permeable film, and an inert gas or a gas predetermined by thecontents is tightly sealed in the internal space together with thecontents under pressurized conditions.

In a conventional packaging container, when a sealing property in anon-warming state is ensured, rapid release of the internal pressure isinvited at warming. Conversely, when slow leakage of the internalpressure at warming is ensured, decrease in the internal pressure ormingling of outside air in a long-term storage is inevitable even whenthe inside of the container is pressurized in a non-warming state.Therefore, there has not been a packaging container provided with bothof these functions. As described above, in the packaging containeraccording to the present invention, the first slit is provided in a partof the laminate film in order to suppress an excessive pressure rise ofthe internal space at warming, and the adhesive layers are provided overthe whole surface between the first inner layer and the second innerlayer comprising the first slit part. Therefore, breakage of thepackaging container and flying-out of the contents can be prevented bythe slow leakage of the internal pressure at warming, and also anextremely firm seal can be formed in a non-warming state. On the otherhand, in the case in which the contents comprise fresh foods or thelike, it is often preferable that the atmosphere of the internal spaceis an inert gas atmosphere in order to maintain the freshness thereof.Also, there are cases in which it is preferable to provide apredetermined gas atmosphere during a period of time after tight sealingis carried out and until the contents are warmed and taken out, such asa case in which the contents comprise a fruit. In the packagingcontainer according to the present invention, by using the inherentsealing property thereof, an inert gas or a predetermined gas isenclosed and tightly sealed in the internal space, into which thecontents have been introduced, under conditions pressurized to have ahigher pressure than outside air, whereby an atmosphere suitable for thecontents can be ensured, and also breakage of the packaging containerand flying-out of the contents can be prevented by the slow leakage ofthe internal pressure at warming.

The present invention is also the packaging container described above,wherein the packaging container has a container body having a recessthat is shaped to be capable of storing the contents, a planar openingpart that is shaped at one end plane, and a flange part having apredetermined width that is formed on an outer circumference of theopening part, and has the laminate film; and the circumferential endpart of the laminate film is thermally fused to the flange part to forma seal in the packaging container so as to form the internal space.

In a container for packaging foods, for example, there is a case inwhich heating or the like is carried out in a state in which thecontents are stored in the packaging container in addition to a case inwhich the contents are taken out to a different container at cooking. Inparticular, at warming the contents using a microwave oven, stability inplacing the packaging container and the shape-retaining property arerequired. The present invention ensures such functions by using acontainer body having an opening part and provided with the flange partin the opening part and in the outer circumference thereof and thelaminate film such as described above as the packaging container. Also,with a simple construction, leakage of the contents stored in thepackaging container can be prevented with certainty, and moreover,breakage of the packaging container and flying-out of the contentsaccompanying the pressure rise in the inside of the containeraccompanying the warming can be prevented in warming the contentstogether with the container body.

The present invention is also the packaging container described above,wherein a first outer circumferential portion having the second adhesivelayer is formed at a site located on a further outer circumferentialside of the fused portion of the circumferential end part and on anouter circumferential side of one end of the first slit; and, in a statein which the internal space is subjected to warming and an internalpressure thereof is raised, the second adhesive layer in theneighborhood of the first slit is melted by the warming and/or by awarmed vapor to generate a space part between the first inner layer andthe second inner layer so as to form an opening in the first slit and inthe first outer circumferential portion, and the laminate film can bepeeled off from the opening formed in the first slit and in the firstouter circumferential portion, whereby the contents can be taken outfrom the internal space.

With such a construction, an opening linked to the inside of thecontainer for taking the contents out can be obtained without disposinga fractured part or an exclusive-use outlet in the thin-layer film thatis needed in taking the contents out from the packaging container. Thecontents can be taken out from the packaging container using theopening.

The present invention is also the packaging container described above,wherein one or more slits continuously or intermittently connected tothe first slit are formed in the first internal layer; each of the slitsis formed to have a shape of a straight line or a curved line or areformed intermittently in plural to be perpendicular to or to have apredetermined angle to the straight line or the curved line; and thesecond adhesive layer is disposed in a region having a predeterminedwidth of a neighborhood of the slits.

As described above, the first slit and the second adhesive layer in thepresent invention perform important functions at the time of pressurerise in the inside of the container. On the other hand, variousstructures and shapes are applied to the packaging container dependingon the shape and property of the contents (for example, being a liquidsubstance or need of a deoxygenation treatment) or a handling method.The present invention can be applied to various packaging containerssuch as these to ensure the functions described above by forming one ormore slits having a predetermined construction comprising the firstslit.

The present invention is also a method for manufacturing a packagingcontainer having a laminate film formed by laminating a plurality ofthin-layer films, so as to form an internal space for storing contents,in which at least a part of a circumferential end part of the laminatefilm is subjected to a thermal fusion treatment to form a sealedportion, comprising the steps of:

-   -   (1) supplying at least two or more thin-layer films comprising a        first inner layer film that is in contact with the internal        space and a second inner layer film that is in contact with an        outer side surface of the first inner layer film respectively        from source rolls of the films;    -   (2) forming one or more slits, which comprise the first slit and        are continuously or intermittently connected to the first slit,        in the first inner layer film;    -   (3) applying a first adhesive agent, which maintains an adhesive        property under temperature and pressure conditions at using the        packaging container, to a first region between the first inner        layer film and the second inner layer film, so as to form a        first adhesive layer;

(4) applying a second adhesive agent, which has a lower meltingtemperature than the first adhesive agent, to a second region having apredetermined width and a predetermined length, excluding the firstregion, in a neighborhood of the slits comprising at least the firstslit, so as to form a second adhesive layer;

(5) bonding at least the first inner layer film, the second inner layerfilm, the first adhesive layer, and the second adhesive layer, so as toproduce the laminate film;

(6) shaping the laminate film in order that the laminate film has apredetermined shape constituting the packaging container and in orderthat the first slit intersects a part of a fused portion formed in thecircumferential end part of the laminate film, and further comprisingthe steps of:

(7a) forming a sealed portion by performing a thermal fusion treatmenton the circumferential end part of the laminate film so as to form theinternal space while leaving an inlet portion for introducing thecontents; and

(8a) introducing the contents from the inlet portion into the internalspace and performing a thermal fusion treatment on the inlet portion toform a seal of the packaging container, or alternatively furthercomprising the steps of:

(7b) introducing the contents into the internal space formed by thelaminate film; and

(8b) forming a seal of the packaging container by performing a thermalfusion treatment on the circumferential end part of the laminate film.

As described above, the packaging container according to the presentinvention can prevent leakage of the stored contents with certainty witha simple construction and further can prevent breakage of the packagingcontainer and flying-out of the contents accompanying the pressure risein the inside of the container accompanying the warming. Also, such asimple construction has made it possible to manufacture a packagingcontainer such as described above without performing complicated steps.Specifically, by supplying the plurality of thin-layer films from thesource rolls and performing slit processing and forming the secondadhesive layer in the first inner layer film, a method for manufacturinga packaging container having excellent functions such as described abovecan be provided by simple steps of shaping the laminate film, formingthe internal space, introducing the contents, and sealing the internalspace by thermal fusion that are performed later. At this time, the sealcan be formed either before or after introducing the contents into theinternal space depending on the property or the like of the contents. Byintroducing the contents into the internal space after a part of theseal is formed in advance, a treatment of reducing the pressure in theinternal space can be easily carried out. By forming the seal after thecontents are introduced into the internal space, the seal can be formedby an integral thermal fusion treatment.

The present invention is also the method for manufacturing the packagingcontainer described above, comprising, instead of the step (8a), thesteps of:

(8c) introducing the contents from the inlet portion into the internalspace and tightly sealing an inert gas or a gas predetermined by thecontents under pressurized conditions; and

(8d) performing a thermal fusion treatment on the inlet portion to forma seal of the packaging container, or alternatively comprising, insteadof the step (8b), the steps of:

(8e) tightly sealing an inert gas or a gas predetermined by the contentsunder pressurized conditions; and

(8f) forming a seal of the packaging container by performing a thermalfusion treatment on the circumferential end part of the laminate film.

With such a construction, the internal space filled with the contentscan be made to be an atmosphere suitable for the contents. Specifically,an inert gas as described later or a gas that accords to the inherentcharacteristics of the contents is enclosed.

The present invention is also the method for manufacturing the packagingcontainer described above, comprising, instead of the steps (2) to (4),the steps of:

(2a) continuously or intermittently forming the slits comprising thefirst slit parallel to a direction of supplying the first inner layerfilm from the source roll; and

(3a) simultaneously performing application of the first adhesive agentto the first region and application of the second adhesive agent to thesecond region so as to form the first adhesive layer and the secondadhesive layer simultaneously.

With such a construction, the step of forming the slits comprising thefirst slit and the step of forming the adhesive layers can be carriedout easily and quickly, whereby a high processing precision can beensured.

The present invention is also the method for manufacturing the packagingcontainer described above, comprising, instead of the steps (2) to (5),the steps of:

(2b) forming the first adhesive layer in the same manner as in the step(3);

(3b) forming the second adhesive layer in the same manner as in the step(4);

(4b) forming the laminate film in the same manner as in the step (5);

(5b) forming one or more slits, which comprise the first slit and arecontinuously or intermittently connected to the first slit, byperforming laser processing on the first inner layer film on which thesecond adhesive layer has been formed.

The slits comprising the first slit can be formed by cutting to a depthcorresponding to the thickness of the first inner layer filmconstituting one surface layer of the produced laminate film. On theother hand, when the slits are formed in advance in the first innerlayer film, assemblage of the packaging container may becomecomplicated. Also, when the slits do not have a simple shape such as astraight line, it may be preferable to perform processing on the firstinner layer from the surface of the produced laminate film rather thanto form the slits in advance in the first inner layer film. The presentinvention makes it possible to form slits having a desired slit shape orslit width by processing using a laser processing technique capable ofprecise processing of a distance corresponding to several to several ten□m until reaching the second adhesive layer in a depth direction on thefirst inner layer of the produced laminate film.

The present invention is also the method for manufacturing the packagingcontainer described above, wherein the packaging container has acontainer body having a recess that is shaped to be capable of storingthe contents, a planar opening part that is shaped at one end plane, anda flange part having a predetermined width that is formed on an outercircumference of the opening part, and has the laminate film; and

the circumferential end part of the laminate film is thermally fused tothe flange part to form the sealed portion in the step (7a) and the sealin the step (8a) or (8d), or alternatively the seal in the step (8b) or(8f).

With such a construction, a method for manufacturing a packagingcontainer ensuring the functions required in the packaging containersuch as the stability in placing and the shape-retaining property can beprovided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view exemplifying a basic construction of apackaging container according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view exemplifying embodiments of a laminate filmaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a reference view describing functions of a first slit and asecond adhesive layer in a warmed state;

FIG. 4 is a reference view describing an opening function of thepackaging container according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating a second construction example ofa packaging container according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating a third construction example ofa packaging container according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating a fourth construction example ofa packaging container according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view exemplifying a part of an apparatus formanufacturing a laminate film according to the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic view exemplifying a part of a process formanufacturing a packaging container according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In a packaging container according to the present invention (hereafterreferred to as “present container”), a laminate film formed bylaminating a plurality of thin-layer films forms an internal space forstoring contents, and at least a part of a circumferential end part ofthe laminate film is subjected to a thermal fusion treatment to form asealed portion. At this time, a construction in which the internal spaceis formed by a combination of the laminate film with other constituentelements such as a container body having a shape-retaining property isalso comprised. Further, the laminate film is formed of at least two ormore thin-layer films comprising a first inner layer that is in contactwith the internal space and a second inner layer that is in contact withan outer side surface of the first inner layer, and has a first adhesivelayer having a first adhesive agent applied thereon and disposed betweenthe first inner layer and the second inner layer. A first slit having apredetermined length is formed in the first inner layer so as tointersect a part of a fused portion of the circumferential end partsubjected to the thermal fusion treatment, and a second adhesive layerhaving a second adhesive agent, which has a lower melting temperaturethan the first adhesive agent, applied thereon instead of the firstadhesive agent is disposed in a region having a predetermined width in aneighborhood of the first slit. With a simple construction, a firm sealhaving a high strength is formed, and also breakage of the packagingcontainer and flying-out of the contents accompanying a pressure rise inthe inside of the container accompanying warming can be prevented.Hereafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described withreference to the attached drawings.

<Basic Construction Example of Packaging Container According to thePresent Invention>

FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating a basic construction example(first construction example) of the present container. In the presentcontainer, an internal space 2 for storing contents F is formed by alaminate film 1. A circumferential end part of the laminate film 1 issubjected to a thermal fusion treatment to form a sealed portion 3 (3 ato 3 c). The laminate film 1 is formed of at least a first inner layerfilm and a second inner layer film (which will be described later). Afirst slit Sa (shown by a solid line in FIG. 1) having a predeterminedlength is formed in the first inner layer film (first inner layer) thatis in contact with the inner space 2, so as to intersect a part of thesealed portion 3 b. A second adhesive layer Lb is disposed in a region(second region) having a predetermined width in a neighborhood of thefirst slit Sa. Here, an example is shown in which one sheet of thelaminate film 1 is bent and folded, and a circumferential end partthereof is thermally fused, whereby the internal space 2 is formed bythe three sealed portions 3 a to 3 c constituting the sealed portion 3.A whole of the sealed portions 3 a to 3 c may be subjected to thethermal fusion treatment thereby to ensure a firm seal; however, aconstruction may be adopted in which a part thereof is thermally fusedand the other part is subjected to a different sealing treatment such asan adhesive treatment. Here, the arrangement of the sealed portions 3 ato 3 c is not particularly limited as long as the internal space 2having a desired inner volume can be formed. Also, the present containermay comprise a construction in which a plurality of laminate films 1 areused, and the thermal fusion treatment is performed at more than threesites to form the sealed portion 3.

As exemplified in FIG. 2, the laminate film 1 is formed of two or morethin-layer films comprising at least a first inner layer film (firstinner layer 1 a) and a second inner layer film (second inner layer 1 b).Examples of materials suitable for the thermal fusion treatment comprisepolypropylene film, polyethylene film, and polyethylene terephthalate(PET) film. FIG. 2(A) exemplifies the laminate film 1 comprising thefirst inner layer 1 a and the second inner layer 1 b that are bonded bythe first adhesive layer La and the second adhesive layer Lb. The firstinner layer 1 a is in contact with the internal space 2, and the secondinner layer 1 b is in contact with an outer side surface of the firstinner layer 1 a. Hereafter, description will be given on a constructionmade of the first inner layer 1 a and the second inner layer 1 b as abasic laminate film 1; however, referring to FIG. 2(B), a laminate filmformed by laminating plural kinds of thin-layer films 1 c, 1 d, . . . 1n as outer layers of the second inner layer 1 b is used in the presentcontainer. It is preferable that some of the thin-layer films 1 a to 1 nare thin-layer films having various functions (functional films) such asa shielding layer having a high property of shielding against oxygen ora light-resistant layer having a high property of shielding againstlight for protection of the contents. As a functional film, for example,a polystyrene film or the like having a good printing property may beused as the outermost layer. Also, when the contents are retort pouchfoods or the like, a material such as a polyethylene film or a PET filmthat can be cooked in a microwave oven may be used. In any case, it isrequired that the films are made of materials that can form a sealhaving a predetermined pressure-resistant property by the thermal fusiontreatment. Also, the film having a high property of shielding againstoxygen may be, for example, a vinylidene chloride film or the like; thefilm having a high property of shielding against light may be, forexample, an aluminum laminate film or the like; and the film having agood printing property may be, for example, a nylon film, a PET film, abiaxially oriented polypropylene (OPP) film, or the like. As thelaminate film 1, it is preferable to construct a multifunctional filmobtained by combination of such materials as these depending on thepurpose of use.

The first slit Sa having a predetermined length such as shown in FIG. 1is formed in the first inner layer 1 a constituting the laminate film 1.The first slit Sa is disposed to intersect a part of the fused portion(sealed parts 3 a to 3 c) of the circumferential end part of thelaminate film 1 (sealed part 3 b in the present construction example) inthe produced packaging container. Also, referring to FIG. 2(A), thefirst adhesive layer La having a first adhesive agent applied thereonand the second adhesive layer Lb having a second adhesive agent, whichhas a lower melting temperature than the first adhesive agent, appliedthereon are disposed between the first inner layer 1 a and the secondinner layer 1 b. The second adhesive layer Lb is disposed in a region(second region) having a predetermined width in a neighborhood of thefirst slit Sa. In a state in which non-warming is carried out, a firmseal having a high strength is formed with a simple construction by theplurality of thin-layer films laminated via the first and secondadhesive layers and by the thermally fused circumferential end partthereof. In a state of pressure rise in the inside of the containeraccompanying the warming, release of the internal pressure from a partof the fused portion at the circumferential end part of the container isformed by the opening formed in the second adhesive layer, having alower melting temperature, in the neighborhood of the first slit.

The functions performed by the first slit Sa and the second adhesivelayer Lb when the present container is warmed are exemplified in FIG. 3.FIG. 3(A) shows a case in which the first slit Sa and the secondadhesive layer Lb are disposed in the thermally fused sealed part 3 in astate in which the circumferential ends of the laminate films 1 and 11are raftered. Here, for example, in the case of warming retort pouchfoods with a microwave oven or the like, the contents are warmed toabout 60 to 120° C. In accordance with the warming of the internal space2, the internal pressure rises. In this state, by the warming and/or bya warmed vapor via the first slit Sa disposed in the laminate film 1,the second adhesive agent applied on the second adhesive layer Lb in theneighborhood of the first slit Sa is melted (Pb) as shown in FIG. 3(B).The melted part Pb gradually enlarges and, as shown in FIG. 3(C), aspace part Pc is generated in the second adhesive layer Lb by thepressing accompanying the pressure rise of the internal space 2, andalso widening is generated in the width direction in the first slit Sa.The space part Pc gradually enlarges to the region that intersects thesealed part 3, and an opening Pa from the internal space 2 to theoutside is formed via the first slit Sa and the second adhesive layerLb, as shown in FIG. 3(D). By discharge of a part of the gas component(vapor) in the inside of the container through the opening Pa, thepressure rise in the internal space 2 is suppressed, whereby breakage ofthe contents F and the packaging container can be prevented.

The first adhesive agent applied on the first adhesive layer La may be,for example, one of edible pressure-sensitive adhesive agents such asvarious cereal starches, various polysaccharides derived from naturalsubstances such as galactomannan, proteins such as corn protein,albumin, and gelatin, natural gummous substances, shellac, glycerin, andmixtures obtained by suitably blending these. These can be applied, forexample, after being diluted with denatured alcohol. The second adhesiveagent applied on the second adhesive layer Lb is an adhesive agent (ink)having a lower melting temperature than the first adhesive agent so thatthe second adhesive agent may be melted earlier than the first adhesiveagent when the internal space 2 is warmed. Specifically, for example,cellulose-based ink or resealable type ink can be used. An inkcontaining methylcellulose as a major component can be applied as anaqueous solution.

In the present container, it is preferable that a part of the thin-layerfilms 1 a to 1 n comprises a non-gas-permeable film, and an inert gas ora gas predetermined by the contents F (herein referred to as “enclosedgas”) is tightly sealed in the internal space 2 together with thecontents F under pressurized conditions. For example, in the case inwhich the contents F are fresh foods or the like, deterioration,denaturing, or the like caused by oxidation of the foods can beprevented when the atmosphere of the internal space 2 is an inert gas(for example, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or the like) in order tomaintain the freshness thereof. In particular, with respect tocontainers made for the purpose of long-term storage such as for frozenfoods, a non-oxidation technique is useful as well as a freezingtechnique. Also, the enclosed gas is not limited to an inert gas alone.There are cases in which a predetermined gas atmosphere is suitableduring the period of time after the tight sealing is carried out untilthe contents are warmed and taken out, such as a case in which thecontents F are fruits. For example, it is known in the art that, withrespect to water-containing cereals such as porridge, the flavor thereofcan be maintained by the presence of a predetermined amount of oxygen(for example, see Japanese Patent No. 2986243). In such a case, apackaging container can be produced by which a fresh flavor obtained atopening can be tasted even after long-term storage by allowing theatmosphere of the internal space 2 into which the contents F (forexample, porridge or the like) have been introduced to be a nitrogen gasatmosphere containing a slight amount of oxygen. Also, it is known inthe art that, with respect to fruits such as bananas, apples, and kiwifruits, the degree of maturation can be raised by an ethyleneatmosphere. By introducing, for example, a predetermined concentrationof ethylene into a container for enclosing processed foods comprisingsuch fruits, an effect of maintaining or increasing the sweetness of thefruits can be obtained.

In the present container, the adhesive layers are provided over thewhole surface between the first inner layer 1 a and the second innerlayer 1 b, whereby an extremely firm seal is formed. Therefore, in anon-warmed state, the enclosed gas can be sealed in a stable pressurizedstate even for a long period of time. Specifically, in the above firstconstruction example, a pressure resistance test was carried out on thepresent container in which a second adhesive layer Lb having a width ofabout 8 mm had been disposed by using cereal starch as the firstadhesive agent and cellulose-based ink as the second adhesive agent,giving a verification result that the present container has a pressureresistance property with a gas pressure of 2.5 kg/m² or more. On theother hand, the opening Pa from a part of the melted part Pb is ensuredby the first slit Sa disposed between the first inner layer 1 a and thesecond inner layer 1 b and the second adhesive layer Lb located in aneighborhood thereof and having a lower melting temperature. Therefore,at warming, breakage of the packaging container and flying-out of thecontents F can be prevented by the release (slow leakage) of theinternal pressure. In other words, an inert gas or a free gaspredetermined by the contents F can be enclosed by the present containerhaving both of the contradictory functions that could not have beenconventionally achieved, that is, firm sealing property capable ofmaintaining the pressurized sealed state at non-warming and release ofthe internal pressure at warming.

In the present container, cut-out portions 4 a, 4 b are provided at theends of the sealed part 3 b so as to facilitate opening of the packagingcontainer, as exemplified in FIG. 4(A). By opening in a direction fromthe cut-out portion 4 a (or 4 b) to the cut-out portion 4 b (or 4 a),the contents F can be taken out from the warmed internal space 2. Atthis time, by disposing the cut-out portions 4 a, 4 b at positions ofthe sealed part 3 b that go along the end surface (on the lineconnecting 4 a-4 b) of the internal space 2, the packaging container canbe opened easily. Further, by using a laminate film 1 (for example, amonoaxially oriented film or the like) having a cutting property(property that allows easy fracture or tearing in a specific direction)and disposing the cut-out portions 4 a, 4 b in a direction thatfacilitates the tearing, the packaging container can be opened furthermore easily. Furthermore, as exemplified in FIG. 4(B), by disposing thefirst slit Sa and the second adhesive layer Lb on the line connecting 4a-4 b where the cut-out portions 4 a, 4 b are disposed, the packagingcontainer can be opened easily by using a cut part of the first slit Saand the opening generated in the second adhesive layer Lb at warming.

(Second Construction Example of the Present Container)

FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating a second construction example ofthe present container. In the present container, the internal space 2 isformed by combining the laminate film 1 in the first constructionexample with a container body 5 having a shape-retaining property. It isso constructed that the present container has the container body 5having a recess 5 a that is shaped to be capable of storing the contentsF, a planar opening part 5 b that is shaped at one end plane, and aflange part 5 c having a predetermined width that is formed on an outercircumference of the opening part 5 b, and has the laminate film 1disposed to cover the opening part 5 b. The circumferential end part ofthe laminate film 1 is thermally fused to the flange part 5 c to form aseal by a sealed part 3 so as to form the internal space 2. In thelaminate film 1, a first slit Sa having a predetermined length is formedto intersect a part of the sealed part 3, and a second adhesive layer Lbis provided in a region (second region) having a predetermined width ina neighborhood of the first slit Sa. A firm seal having a high strengthis formed with a simple construction while ensuring the functionsrequired in the packaging container such as the stability in placing andthe shape-retaining property. Moreover, breakage of the packagingcontainer and flying-out of the contents F accompanying the pressurerise in the inside of the container accompanying the warming can beprevented.

The container body 5 is made of a resin such as polypropylene and ismanufactured by the blow molding method or the like. However, the methodof molding the container body 5 is not particularly limited. Thecontainer body 5 has the recess 5 a that can store the contents F andthe internal space 2 is formed by the laminate film 1 so as to enclosethe contents F in a tightly sealed state. At this time, it is preferablethat the container body 5 has the flange part 5 c that can form a sealbetween the container body 5 and the laminate film 1. Here, an exampleof a container has been given in which the container body 5 has theflange part 5 c in the surroundings of the opening part 5 b, and a partof the recess 5 a has a prismatic shape; however, the shape is notlimited to this alone. Any shape of the container capable of forming thesealed part 3 by performing a thermal fusion treatment on thecircumferential end part of the laminate film 1 can be applied, such asa container in which the recess 5 a has a rectangular parallelepiped(comprising a cube) shape, a part of a conical shape, a combination ofthese, or an arbitrary curved shape, or a container in which the sealedpart 3 can be formed by performing a thermal fusion treatment on thecircumferential end part of the laminate film 1 and a part of the recess5 a instead of the flange part 5 c.

The functions performed by the first slit Sa and the second adhesivelayer Lb when the present container is warmed are exemplified in FIGS.5(C) to 5(E). In accordance with the warming of the internal space 2,the internal pressure rises while the container body 5 is kept beinglittle deformed. In this state, the second adhesive agent applied on thesecond adhesive layer Lb in the neighborhood of the first slit Sa ismelted by the warming and/or by a warmed vapor via the first slit Sa, asshown in FIG. 5(C). The melted part Pb gradually enlarges and, as shownin FIG. 5(D), a space part Pc is generated in the second adhesive layerLb by the pressing accompanying the pressure rise of the internal space2, and also widening is generated in the width direction in the firstslit Sa. The space part Pc gradually enlarges to the region thatintersects the sealed part 3, and an opening Pa from the internal space2 to the outside is formed via the first slit Sa and the second adhesivelayer Lb, as shown in FIG. 5(E).

In order to facilitate opening of the present container, a part of theflange part 5 c is preferably provided with an openable part 6 by whichthe laminate film 1 can be cut and torn or the sealed part 3 can befractured. By crushing, for example, the openable part 6 upward ordownward and peeling the laminate film 1 off from the flange part 5 c tofracture the sealed part 3, a part of the opening part 5 b is opened,and the contents F can be taken out from the warmed internal space 2. Atthis time, the packaging container can be opened easily by disposing thefirst slit Sa and the second adhesive layer Lb close to the openablepart 6 and to be parallel to a part of the sealed part 3 that goes alongthe end surface 2 e-2 e of the internal space 2, as exemplified in FIG.5(F). The packaging container can be opened easily by using a cut partof the first slit Sa and the opening Pa generated in the second adhesivelayer Lb at warming.

(Third Construction Example of the Present Container)

FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating a third construction example ofthe present container. FIG. 6(A) illustrates an embodiment in the firstconstruction example of the present container. FIG. 6(B) illustrates anembodiment in the second construction example of the present container.In the present container, a first outer circumferential portion 7 havingthe second adhesive layer Lb is formed at a site located on a furtherouter circumferential side of the sealed part 3 and on the outside ofthe first slit Sa. The functions performed by the first slit Sa and thesecond adhesive layer Lb when the present container is warmed areexemplified in FIG. 6(C) to 6(E). In accordance with the warming of theinternal space 2, the internal pressure rises. In this state, the secondadhesive agent applied on the second adhesive layer Lb in theneighborhood of the first slit Sa is melted by the warming and/or by awarmed vapor via the first slit Sa, as shown in FIG. 6(C). The meltedpart Pb gradually enlarges, and the second adhesive agent applied on thesecond adhesive layer Lb located in the first outer circumferentialportion 7 is melted. In accordance with the melting of the secondadhesive layer Lb, a space part Pc is generated in the second adhesivelayer Lb by the pressing accompanying the pressure rise of the internalspace 2, as shown in FIG. 6(D), and also widening is generated in thewidth direction in the first slit Sa. The space part Pc graduallyenlarges to the region that intersects the sealed part 3 and to thesecond adhesive layer Lb located in the first outer circumferentialportion 7. In accordance with the generation of the space part Pc, anopening Pa from the internal space 2 to the fused portion—first outercircumferential portion 7—outside is formed via the first slit Sa andthe second adhesive layer Lb, as shown in FIG. 6(E).

Here, by peeling the laminate film 1 off from the first slit Sa and theopening Pa to open the internal space 2, the contents F can be takenout. Specifically, when the opening Pa is formed in the second adhesivelayer Lb located at the first slit Sa—fused portion—first outercircumferential portion 7, the part of the second inner layer 1 b thatis in contact with the second adhesive layer Lb comes into a state ofbeing spaced apart from the first inner layer 1 a in the opening Pa. Bypeeling the second inner layer 1 b at the ends of the opening Pa of thefirst outer circumferential portion 7 (or together with the outer layers1 c, 1 d, . . . comprising this) from the first inner layer 1 a, theopening Pa formed in the first outer circumferential portion 7—fusedportion—first slit Sa can be enlarged. By enlarging the opening Paformed in the first slit Sa so that the contents F can be taken out, thecontents F can be taken out from the internal space 2 of the packagingcontainer without disposing a fractured part or an exclusive-use outlet.

(Fourth Construction Example of the Present Container)

FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating a fourth construction example ofthe present container. In the present container, not only the first slitSa but also one or more slits Sb, Sc, Sd, Se, . . . Sn continuously orintermittently connected to the first slit Sa are formed in the firstinternal layer 1 a; each of the slits Sa to Sn is formed to have a shapeof a straight line or a curved line or are formed intermittently inplural to be perpendicular to or to have a predetermined angle to thestraight line or the curved line; and simultaneously, the secondadhesive layer Lb is disposed in a region (second region) having apredetermined width of a neighborhood of the slits Sa to Sn. Bydisposing the plurality of slits Sa to Sn, the functions that can beapplied to various structures and shapes deriving from the shape andproperty of the contents F (for example, being a liquid substance orneed of a deoxygenation treatment) or a handling method are ensured.

Specifically, referring to FIG. 7(A), the plurality of slits Sb to Snthat are continuously or intermittently connected to the first slit Sacan enlarge the area of the second adhesive layer Lb that is in contactwith the internal space 2, can promote melting of the second adhesivelayer Lb and can perform an auxiliary function of prompting the openingby the first slit Sa by enlargement of the melted portion. Also,referring to FIG. 7(B), by setting the intersection angle by which thefirst slit Sa intersects the sealed part 3, the distance by which thefirst slit Sa intersects the sealed part 3 can be set, whereby thepressure in opening or the period of time until the opening can beadjusted. The plurality of slits Sb to Sn that are continuously orintermittently connected to the first slit Sa can enlarge the area ofthe second adhesive layer Lb that is in contact with the internal space2, can promote melting of the second adhesive layer Lb and can performan auxiliary function of prompting the opening by the first slit Sa byenlargement of the melted portion.

<Method for Manufacturing the Present Container>

Next, a basic process for producing the present container (hereafterreferred to as “first manufacturing method”) will be described indetail. The first manufacturing method comprises the following steps (1)to (6).

(1) step of supplying thin-layer films

(2) step of forming a slit

(3) step of forming a first adhesive layer

(4) step of forming a second adhesive layer

(5) step of producing a laminate film

(6) step of shaping the laminate film

Also, the first manufacturing method further comprises the followingsteps (7a) and (8a).

(7a) step of forming a part of a sealed portion

(8a) step of introducing the contents and forming a seal of thepackaging container

Alternatively, the first manufacturing method further comprises thefollowing steps (7b) and (8b).

(7b) step of introducing the contents into an internal space

(8b) step of forming a seal of the packaging container

The details of the steps of the first manufacturing method will bedescribed on the basis of a part of the manufacturing apparatusexemplified in FIG. 8.

(1) Step of Supplying Thin-Layer Films 1 a to 1 n

At least two or more thin-layer films 1 a to 1 n comprising a firstinner layer film 1 a and a second inner layer film 1 b that is incontact with an outer side surface of the first inner layer film 1 a aresupplied respectively from source rolls (not illustrated in thedrawings) of the films.

(2) Step of Forming a Slit

A plurality of slits comprising the first slit Sa are formed in thefirst inner layer film 1 a by a slit producing unit 12. FIG. 8 shows acase in which the first slit Sa and slits (S) that are continuouslyconnected to the first slit Sa are provided. By moving the slitproducing unit 12, the slits may be intermittently provided on one andthe same line, or alternatively, slits having a non-linear form (curvedline form) can be formed as well. At this time, the slits comprising thefirst slit Sa are preferably formed continuously or intermittently inparallel to the direction of supplying the first inner layer film 1 afrom the roll in the aforesaid step (1) (step (2a)). The step of formingthe slits can be carried out conveniently and rapidly, and a highprocessing precision can be ensured.

(3) Step of Forming a First Adhesive Layer La

Any one of the first adhesive agents described above is applied onto afirst region (region other than the second adhesive layer Lb) betweenthe first inner layer film 1 a and the second inner layer film 1 b, soas to form the first adhesive layer La. FIG. 8 exemplifies a case inwhich the first adhesive agent is applied onto the 1-surface of thesecond inner layer film 1 b (that is, the surface bonded to the firstinner layer film 1 a); however, it is preferable that the application ofthe first adhesive agent onto the first region and the application ofthe second adhesive agent onto the second region are simultaneouslycarried out to form the first adhesive layer La and the second adhesivelayer Lb simultaneously (step (3a)). The first adhesive agent can beapplied together with the second adhesive agent onto either one of thefirst inner layer film 1 a and the second inner layer film 1 b.Alternatively, in a later-mentioned step (5), the first adhesive agentcan be applied together with the second adhesive agent immediatelybefore bonding the first inner layer film 1 a and the second inner layerfilm 1 b. The step of forming the adhesive layers can be carried outconveniently and rapidly, and a high processing precision can beensured.

(4) Step of Forming a Second Adhesive Layer

A second adhesive agent, which has a lower melting temperature than thefirst adhesive agent, is applied onto a second region (excluding thefirst region) having a predetermined width and a predetermined length ina neighborhood of the slits comprising at least the first slit Sa, so asto form a second adhesive layer Lb. FIG. 8 exemplifies a case in whichthe second adhesive agent is applied onto the one side of the firstinner layer film 1 a (on the internal space 2 side); however, in thesame manner as in the above step (3), the second adhesive agent can beapplied together with the first adhesive agent onto either one of thefirst inner layer film 1 a and the second inner layer film 1 b.Alternatively, in a later-mentioned step (5), the second adhesive agentcan be applied together with the first adhesive agent immediately beforebonding the first inner layer film 1 a and the second inner layer film 1b.

(5) Step of Producing a Laminate Film 1

Referring to FIG. 8, at least the first inner layer film 1 a, the secondinner layer film 1 b, the first adhesive layer La, and the secondadhesive layer Lb are bonded by rollers Ra and Rb and cut to apredetermined length to produce the laminate film 1. Further, in thecase in which plural kinds of thin-layer films 1 c, 1 d, . . . 1 n arelaminated, the films are bonded by the first adhesive agent or adhesiveagents suitable for the material quality or function of the films andare cut to a predetermined length to produce the laminate film 1.

In the case in which a part of the sealed part 3 is formed and thesealed part 3 is formed after introducing the contents F, it ispreferable to apply a manufacturing method comprising the steps (7a),(8a) after passing through the following step (6).

(6) Step of Shaping the Laminate Film 1

The laminate film 1 is shaped so that the laminate film 1 may have apredetermined shape constituting the packaging container. For example,according to the first construction example described above, thelaminate film 1 is shaped so that the laminate film 1 may have a shapecapable of forming sealed parts 3 a to 3 c at the time of completion andso that the first slit Sa may intersect a part of the sealed part 3 bformed in the circumferential end part of the laminate film 1, as shownin FIG. 9(A). Also, according to the second construction exampledescribed above, the laminate film 1 is shaped so that the laminate film1 may have a shape capable of forming a sealed part 3 in the flange part5 c of the container body 5 and so that the first slit Sa may intersecta part of the sealed part 3 formed in the circumferential end part ofthe laminate film 1, as shown in FIG. 9(B).

(7a) Step of Forming a Part of the Sealed Portion

A thermal fusion treatment is performed on the circumferential end partof the laminate film 1 so as to form an internal space 2 while leavingan inlet portion for introducing the contents F. For example, accordingto the first construction example described above, the sealed parts 3 band 3 c at the time of completion are formed, and a part correspondingto the sealed part 3 a capable of introducing the contents F is kept inan open state in FIG. 9(A). Also, according to the second constructionexample described above, the end side part of the laminate film 1 thatthe first slit Sa intersects is thermally fused to form a sealedportion, and the other end side parts (circumferential end parts of thelaminate film 1) are kept in an open state so as to be capable ofintroducing the contents F in FIG. 9(B).

(8a) Step of Introducing the Contents F and Forming a Seal of thePackaging Container

The contents F are introduced from the part kept in the open state intothe internal space 2, and a thermal fusion treatment is performed on thepart kept in the open state to form a seal of the packaging container.

In the case in which the sealed part 3 is formed through one step afterintroducing the contents F, it is preferable to apply a manufacturingmethod comprising the steps (7b), (8b) after passing through thefollowing step (6).

(6) Step of Shaping the Laminate Film 1

The laminate film 1 is shaped so that the laminate film 1 may have apredetermined shape constituting the packaging container. For example,according to the first construction example described above, thelaminate film 1 is shaped so that the laminate film 1 may have a shapecapable of forming sealed parts 3 a to 3 c at the time of completion andso that the first slit Sa may intersect a part of the sealed part 3 bformed in the circumferential end part of the laminate film 1, as shownin FIG. 9(A). Also, according to the second construction exampledescribed above, the laminate film 1 is shaped so that the laminate film1 may have a shape capable of forming a sealed part 3 in the flange part5 c of the container body 5 and so that the first slit Sa may intersecta part of the sealed part 3 formed in the circumferential end part ofthe laminate film 1, as shown in FIG. 9(B).

(7b) Step of Introducing the Contents F into the Internal Space 2

The contents F are introduced into the internal space 2 formed by thelaminate film 1. For example, according to the first constructionexample described above, the laminate film 1 is assembled so that thesealed parts 3 a to 3 c at the time of completion may be formed, wherebythe internal space 2 is formed, and the contents F are introduced inFIG. 9(A). Also, according to the second construction example describedabove, the contents F are introduced into the container body 5 in FIG.9(B).

(8b) Step of Forming a Seal of the Packaging Container

A thermal fusion treatment is performed on the circumferential end partof the laminate film 1 so as to form a seal of the packaging container.For example, according to the first construction example describedabove, the sealed parts 3 a to 3 c are formed so that the internal space2 into which the contents F are introduced may be formed in FIG. 9(A).Also, according to the second construction example described above, thewhole end side parts of the laminate film 1 are thermally fused to forma sealed portion in FIG. 9(B).

By simple steps such as described above, a packaging container havingexcellent functions of preventing leakage of the stored contents withcertainty and preventing breakage of the packaging container orflying-out of the contents accompanying the pressure rise in the insideof the container accompanying the warming can be manufactured withoutpassing through complicated steps. At this time, the seal can be formedeither before or after introducing the contents into the internal spacedepending on the property or the like of the contents. By introducingthe contents into the internal space after a part of the seal is formedin advance, a treatment of reducing the pressure in the internal spacecan be easily carried out. By forming the seal after the contents areintroduced into the internal space, the seal can be formed by anintegral thermal fusion treatment.

Also, in the above manufacturing steps, there are cases in which it ispreferable that an inert gas or a gas predetermined by the contents(enclosed gas) is tightly sealed in the inside of the container togetherwith the contents under pressurized conditions. In other words, asdescribed above, in a case in which the contents comprise fresh foods orthe like, the freshness thereof can be maintained by enclosing an inertgas. In a case in which the contents comprise porridge or a fruit, theflavor thereof can be maintained or increased by enclosing oxygen,ethylene, or the like. Specifically,

(i) in the case of a packaging container in which the contents areintroduced after a part of the seal is formed, and thereafter the sealis completed, a firm sealing property of the enclosed gas is ensured bycomprising, instead of the step (8a), the steps of:

(8c) introducing the contents into the internal space of the packagingcontainer and tightly sealing the enclosed gas under pressurizedconditions; and

(8d) performing a thermal fusion treatment on the inlet portion of thecontents (and the enclosed gas) to form a seal of the packagingcontainer, and

(ii) in the case of a packaging container in which the seal is formedafter the contents are introduced, a firm sealing property of theenclosed gas is ensured by comprising, instead of the step (8b), thesteps of:

(8e) tightly sealing the enclosed gas under pressurized conditions; and

(8f) forming a seal of the packaging container by performing a thermalfusion treatment on the circumferential end part of the laminate film.

(Second Method for Manufacturing The Present Container)

The method for manufacturing the present container can comprise thefollowing steps (2b) to (5b) instead of the above steps (2) to (5).

(2b) step of forming a first adhesive layer La in the same manner as inthe above step (3)

(3b) step of forming a second adhesive layer Lb in the same manner as inthe above step (4)

(4b) step of producing a laminate film 1 in the same manner as in theabove step (5)

(5b) step of forming a slit in the first inner layer film 1 a

One or more slits comprising the first slit Sa are formed by laserprocessing in the first inner layer film 1 a. By using a laserprocessing technique, capable of precise processing, after completion ofthe laminate film 1 or immediately before completion of the packagingcontainer without forming the slits in advance in the first inner layerfilm 1 a, slits that accord to a desired slit shape or slit width can beformed with a good precision. Thereafter, by performing the above steps(6) to (8), a packaging container having excellent functions ofpreventing leakage of the stored contents with certainty and preventingbreakage of the packaging container or flying-out of the contentsaccompanying the pressure rise in the inside of the containeraccompanying the warming can be manufactured by simple steps withoutpassing through complicated steps.

1. A method for manufacturing a packaging container having a laminatefilm formed by laminating a plurality of thin-layer films, so as to forman internal space for storing contents, in which at least a part of acircumferential end part of the laminate film is subjected to a thermalfusion treatment to form a sealed portion, comprising the steps of: (1)supplying at least two or more thin-layer films comprising a first innerlayer film that is in contact with the internal space and a second innerlayer film that is in contact with an outer side surface of the firstinner layer film respectively from source rolls of the films; (2)forming one or more slits, which comprise a first slit and arecontinuously or intermittently connected to the first slit, in the firstinner layer film; (3) applying a first adhesive agent, which maintainsan adhesive property under temperature and pressure conditions at usingthe packaging container, to a first region between the first inner layerfilm and the second inner layer film, so as to form a first adhesivelayer; (4) applying a second adhesive agent, which has a lower meltingtemperature than the first adhesive agent, to a second region having apredetermined width and a predetermined length, excluding the firstregion, in a neighborhood of the slits comprising at least the firstslit, so as to form a second adhesive layer; (5) bonding at least thefirst inner layer film, the second inner layer film, the first adhesivelayer, and the second adhesive layer, so as to produce the laminatefilm; (6) shaping the laminate film in order that the laminate film hasa predetermined shape constituting the packaging container and in orderthat the first slit intersects a part of a fused portion formed in thecircumferential end part of the laminate film, and further comprisingthe steps of: (7a) forming a sealed portion by performing a thermalfusion treatment on the circumferential end part of the laminate film soas to form the internal space while leaving an inlet portion forintroducing the contents; and (8a) introducing the contents from theinlet portion into the internal space and performing a thermal fusiontreatment on the inlet portion to form a seal of the packagingcontainer, or alternatively further comprising the steps of: (7b)introducing the contents into the internal space formed by the laminatefilm; and (8b) forming a seal of the packaging container by performing athermal fusion treatment on the circumferential end part of the laminatefilm.
 2. The method for manufacturing the packaging container accordingto claim 1, comprising, a step (8c), between the steps (7a) and (8a):(8c) tightly sealing an inert gas or a gas predetermined by the contentsunder pressurized conditions, or alternatively comprising a step (8e),between the steps (7b) and (8b): (8e) tightly sealing an inert gas or agas predetermined by the contents under pressurized conditions.
 3. Amethod for manufacturing a packaging container having a laminate filmformed by laminating a plurality of thin-layer films, so as to form aninternal space for storing contents, in which at least a part of acircumferential end part of the laminate film is subjected to a thermalfusion treatment to form a sealed portion, comprising the steps of: (1)supplying at least two or more thin-layer films comprising a first innerlayer film that is in contact with the internal space and a second innerlayer film that is in contact with an outer side surface of the firstinner layer film respectively from source rolls of the films; (2a)continuously or intermittently forming the slits comprising a first slitparallel to a direction of supplying the first inner layer film from thesource roll; (3a) simultaneously performing application of the firstadhesive agent to a first region between the first inner layer film andthe second inner layer film, and application of the second adhesiveagent to a second region having a predetermined width and apredetermined length, excluding the first region, in a neighborhood ofthe slits comprising at least the first slit, so as to form the firstadhesive layer and the second adhesive layer simultaneously; (5) bondingat least the first inner layer film the second inner layer film, thefirst adhesive layer, and the second adhesive layer, so as to producethe laminate film; (6) shaping the laminate film in order that thelaminate film has a predetermined shape constituting the packagingcontainer and in order that the first slit intersects a part of a fusedportion formed in the circumferential end part of the laminate film, andfurther comprising the steps of: (7a) forming a sealed portion byperforming a thermal fusion treatment on the circumferential end part ofthe laminate film so as to form the internal space while leaving aninlet portion for introducing the contents; and (8a) introducing thecontents from the inlet portion into the internal space and performing athermal fusion treatment on the inlet portion to form a seal of thepackaging container, or alternatively further comprising the steps of:(7b) introducing the contents into the internal space formed by thelaminate film; and (8b) forming a seal of the packaging container byperforming a thermal fusion treatment on the circumferential end part ofthe laminate film.
 4. (canceled)
 5. A method for manufacturing apackaging container, having a laminate film formed by laminating aplurality of thin-layer films, so as to form an internal space forstoring contents, in which at least a part of a circumferential end partof the laminate film is subjected to a thermal fusion treatment to forma sealed portion, comprising the steps of: (1) supplying at least two ormore thin-layer films comprising a first inner layer film that is incontact with the internal space and a second inner layer film that is incontact with an outer side surface of the first inner layer filmrespectively from source rolls of the films; (2b) applying a firstadhesive agent, which maintains an adhesive property under temperatureand pressure conditions at using the packaging container, to a firstregion between the first inner layer film and the second inner layerfilm, so as to form a first adhesive layer; (3b) applying a secondadhesive agent, which has a lower melting temperature than the firstadhesive agent, to a second region having a predetermined width and apredetermined length, excluding the first region, in a neighborhood ofthe slits comprising at least the first slit, so as to form a secondadhesive layer; (4b) bonding at least the first inner layer film, thesecond inner layer film, the first adhesive layer, and the secondadhesive layer, so as to produce the laminate film; (5b) forming one ormore slits, which comprise the first slit and are continuously orintermittently connected to the first slit, by performing laserprocessing on the first inner layer film on which the second adhesivelayer has been formed; (6) shaping the laminate film in order that thelaminate film has a predetermined shape constituting the packagingcontainer and in order that the first slit intersects a part of a fusedportion formed in the circumferential end part of the laminate film, andfurther comprising the steps of: (7a) forming a sealed portion byperforming a thermal fusion treatment on the circumferential end part ofthe laminate film so as to form the internal space while leaving aninlet portion for introducing the contents; and (8a) introducing thecontents from the inlet portion into the internal space and performing athermal fusion treatment on the inlet portion to form a seal of thepackaging container, or alternatively further comprising the steps of:(7b) introducing the contents into the internal space formed by thelaminate film; and (8b) forming a seal of the packaging container byperforming a thermal fusion treatment on the circumferential end part ofthe laminate film.
 6. (canceled)
 7. The method for manufacturing thepackaging container according to claim 1, wherein the packagingcontainer has a container body having a recess that is shaped to becapable of storing the contents, a planar opening part that is shaped atone end plane, and a flange part having a predetermined width that isformed on an outer circumference of the opening part, and has thelaminate film; and the circumferential end part of the laminate film isthermally fused to the flange part to form the sealed portion in thestep (7a) and the seal in the step (8a) or (8d), or alternatively theseal in the step (8b) or (8f).
 8. The method for manufacturing thepackaging container according to claim 3, wherein the packagingcontainer has a container body having a recess that is shaped to becapable of storing the contents, a planar opening part that is shaped atone end plane, and a flange part having a predetermined width that isformed on an outer circumference of the opening part, and has thelaminate film; and the circumferential end part of the laminate film isthermally fused to the flange part to form the sealed portion in thestep (7a) and the seal in the step (8a) or (8d), or alternatively theseal in the step (8b) or (8f).
 9. The method for manufacturing thepackaging container according to claim 5, wherein the packagingcontainer has a container body having a recess that is shaped to becapable of storing the contents, a planar opening part that is shaped atone end plane, and a flange part having a predetermined width that isformed on an outer circumference of the opening part, and has thelaminate film; and the circumferential end part of the laminate film isthermally fused to the flange part to form the sealed portion in thestep (7a) and the seal in the step (8a) or (8d), or alternatively theseal in the step (8b) or (8f).
 10. The method for manufacturing thepackaging container according to claim 3, comprising, a step (8c),between the steps (7a) and (8a): (8c) tightly sealing an inert gas or agas predetermined by the contents under pressurized conditions, oralternatively comprising a step (8e), between the steps (7b) and (8b):(8e) tightly sealing an inert gas or a gas predetermined by the contentsunder pressurized conditions.
 11. The method for manufacturing thepackaging container according to claim 5, comprising, a step (8c),between the steps (7a) and (8a): (8c) tightly sealing an inert gas or agas predetermined by the contents under pressurized conditions, oralternatively comprising a step (8e), between the steps (7b) and (8b):(8e) tightly sealing an inert gas or a gas predetermined by the contentsunder pressurized conditions.
 12. The method for manufacturing thepackaging container according to claim 2, wherein the packagingcontainer has a container body having a recess that is shaped to becapable of storing the contents, a planar opening part that is shaped atone end plane, and a flange part having a predetermined width that isformed on an outer circumference of the opening part, and has thelaminate film; and the circumferential end part of the laminate film isthermally fused to the flange part to form the sealed portion in thestep (7a) and the seal in the step (8a) or (8d), or alternatively theseal in the step (8b) or (8f).
 13. The method for manufacturing thepackaging container according to claim 10, wherein the packagingcontainer has a container body having a recess that is shaped to becapable of storing the contents, a planar opening part that is shaped atone end plane, and a flange part having a predetermined width that isformed on an outer circumference of the opening part, and has thelaminate film; and the circumferential end part of the laminate film isthermally fused to the flange part to form the sealed portion in thestep (7a) and the seal in the step (8a) or (8d), or alternatively theseal in the step (8b) or (8f).
 14. The method for manufacturing thepackaging container according to claim 11, wherein the packagingcontainer has a container body having a recess that is shaped to becapable of storing the contents, a planar opening part that is shaped atone end plane, and a flange part having a predetermined width that isformed on an outer circumference of the opening part, and has thelaminate film; and the circumferential end part of the laminate film isthermally fused to the flange part to form the sealed portion in thestep (7a) and the seal in the step (8a) or (8d), or alternatively theseal in the step (8b) or (8f).